Sagara Kariyawasam arrest follows questioning over remarks about Police Chief Priyantha Weerasooriya, as the SLPP figure alleges a witch hunt.
The Sagara Kariyawasam arrest followed his appearance before the Central Crimes Investigation Bureau on Monday over controversial remarks concerning Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya.
The SLPP General Secretary had been summoned for questioning after comments he made on August 3 sparked a police investigation. The CCIB subsequently reported facts to the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court over the remarks.
Get
Breaking News
First
on WhatsApp
Follow The Morning Telegraph for instant alerts, top stories and exclusive updates delivered straight to your phone.
Before his reported arrest, Kariyawasam told the media that the investigation amounted to a political witch hunt by the Government.
He alleged that authorities were distorting his statements and deliberately misinterpreting his remarks in an effort to suppress political opponents.
Kariyawasam also referred to the fate of world leaders who had pursued political suppression in the past.
He accused President Anura Kumara Dissanayake of moving along what he described as a similar authoritarian path.
However, the SLPP General Secretary insisted that he would not retreat in the face of such pressure or threats.
The investigation originated from remarks in which Kariyawasam referred to the possible fate of the incumbent Police Chief, prompting Government figures to demand a formal inquiry.
